By FRANCO PANIZO
Things in Seattle appear to be going from bad to worse at the most inopportune time.
According to a report from the Seattle Times, the Sounders, winless in their last six matches, practiced without Eddie Johnson on Wednesday ahead of their Sunday season finale against the LA Galaxy. No specifics were given for Johnson’s absence, but Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid hinted at it being for disciplinary reasons and said that the forward’s status for the weekend is “up in the air.”
Johnson, Seattle’s leading goal-scorer for each of the past two seasons, had stormed out of practice on Tuesday after being visibly upset. The 29-year-old U.S. Men’s National Team forward then posted some interesting quotes on his Instagram account on Tuesday and Wednesday that read, “I believe in treating people right, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn’t know how to return the treatment.” and, “Don’t let your loyalty become slavery. If they don’t appreciate what you bring to the table … let them eat alone.”
Earlier this season, Johnson celebrated a goal against the Columbus Crew by saying “pay me”. The celebration has been discussed at length this year by media and fans as has been the topic of if Johnson is deserving of a pay raise or Designated Player slot from Seattle.
Johnson has nine goals and two assists in 20 games this season. He scored 14 goals and had three assists in 28 matches in 2012.
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What do you think of Johnson being held out of Sounders practice? Expect him to return in time for Sunday’s match? Should Seattle give him?
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